Locking bottle transport ring for a stopper

ABSTRACT

The present invention discloses a stopper affixed to a bottle. The bottle comprises a bottle finish, a tamper evident ring, a transport ring, a neck including an integrally formed locking feature. The bottle finish is configured to receive a stopper comprising a closure shell and a tamper band, where the closure shell and the tamper band being separably connected. The transport ring is located below the tamper evident ring and the tamper band is configured to be positioned between the tamper evident ring and the transport ring. The locking feature is configured to receive and retain at least a portion of the closure shell between a bottom surface of the transport ring and a bottom surface of the neck when the closure shell is separated from the tamper band. Also, the present invention discloses a method for locking a stopper onto a bottle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This present disclosure relates generally to closures for containers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to securing a closure to a portion of the plastic bottle neck.

BACKGROUND

In the field of liquid packaging, it is very common to seal the aperture of a container with a stopper, often made from a plastic material. Such a container is usually a plastic bottle, but other materials may be used as well.

The stopper typically has a tubular shape closed at its top edge by a top wall. The stopper comprises a closure shell attached to a tamper band through the implementation of bridges. Bridges are distributed around the circumference of the closure shell and the tamper band. Moreover, the bridges may be made when molding the stopper or after through undergoing a cutting step during the manufacturing process.

Usually the bottle neck finish comprises outer fixation features, such as threads to receive a screw-type stopper. For screw type stoppers, the closure shell typically comprises inner thread(s) arranged on an inner side wall that are intended to engage with outer thread(s) located on the bottle neck finish. Such combinations of outer and inner thread(s) allow the stopper to be screwed on a bottle neck finish to seal it and unscrewed for bottle entirely opening.

Alternatively, the bottle neck finish comprises outer fixation features, such as annular fixation rings to receive a snap-type stopper that secures the stopper onto the bottle neck finish. A snap-type stopper includes an inner annular area and the bottle neck finish fixation feature includes an outer fixation ring, in order secure (e.g., using a downward force) the stopper onto the bottle neck finish. A snap type stopper comprises a closure shell with a movable sealing roof from a closure position to a part opening, and reversely. The roof may be separating upon opening or may be connected with the closure shell.

In a sealing position of the stopper, the tamper band is secured around the bottle neck finish through inner tamper band retaining features or through the tamper band diameter being smaller than a diameter of a tamper evident ring of the bottle neck finish.

The closure shell is typically removable. During bottle opening, the bridges form a weakness line and are torn apart from the closure shell, so it can be separated from the bottle. The weakness line is torn when user unscrews the closure shell of the stopper or when user lifts the roof by tilting.

After opening, the closure shell can be completely removed and discarded (e.g., dropped), preventing subsequent closure of the bottle. Additionally, the removed closure can represent waste if not recycled.

Previous solutions to prevent the closure shell from being completely removed from the bottle have been considered. For example, known systems attach the closure shell with the tamper band, so the closure shell stays attached to the bottle neck via a attachment portion after bottle opening. Other known systems include a tethered stopper comprising a spiral strip formed within stopper during the molding of the stopper. The attachment portion and/or the spiral strip are typically made of the same plastic material as the remaining portions of the stopper.

One problem with respect to the previous solutions are that once the closure shell is removed from the bottle aperture after opening, the elastic properties of the plastic attachment portion(s) cause the plastic attachment portion(s) to attempt to return to original configuration near the neck finish. As the attachment portion(s) attempts to return to the original configuration, the closure shell may interfere with the bottle aperture at the neck finish, which can cause the closure shell to interfere with the user during drinking or pouring.

SUMMARY

This invention relates to a method for locking a strip tethered plastic stopper under a transport ring and into a shoulder of a plastic bottle, so between the transport ring and into at least a part of the shoulder.

To prevent the closure being completely removed from a bottle while keeping the closure shell away from the bottle aperture, a solution consists of connecting the closure shell with the bottle, so the closure shell remains attached after the initial opening of the bottle and securing the closure shell so as to move the closure shell away from the bottle aperture.

An object of the present invention is a bottle tethered stopper, having a closure shell that remains attached to a tamper band which is secured on the neck of the bottle. Securing the closure shell to the tamper band after the initial opening, prevents a user from unintentionally misplacing or discarding the closure shell. Additionally, securing the closure shell to the tamper band, allows the user to secure and remove the closure shell from the bottle finish (e.g., threading) of the bottle multiple times, for example, during drinking.

Another object of the present invention is the bottle tethered stopper is configured to position the closure shell away from the bottle aperture after initial and subsequent openings. Allowing the closure shell to be positioned away from the bottle aperture after opening allows the user to position the closure shell away from the user during use (e.g., positioning shell away from user face during drinking).

According to the invention the stopper is affixed to a bottle. The bottle comprises a bottle finish, a tamper evident ring, a transport ring, a neck including an integrally formed locking feature. The bottle finish is configured to receive a stopper comprising a closure shell and a tamper band, the closure shell and the tamper band being separably connected. The transport ring is located below the tamper evident ring and the tamper band is configured to be positioned between the tamper evident ring and the transport ring. The locking feature is configured to receive and retain at least a portion of the closure shell between a bottom surface of the transport ring and a bottom surface of the neck when the closure shell is separated from the tamper band.

In some embodiments, the locking feature is integrally formed into the neck during a preform molding process. In other embodiments, the locking feature is integrally formed into the neck during a blow molding process.

In some embodiments, the locking feature is dimensioned relative to the closure shell height allowing at least a portion of the closure shell is received and retained by the locking feature.

In some embodiments, the locking feature forms a continuous locking feature around the perimeter of the neck. In other embodiments, the neck comprises a plurality of locking features each positioned below the transport ring and distributed around the perimeter of the neck.

Also, according to the invention, a method for locking a stopper onto a bottle is included. The method includes providing the bottle having a stopper inserted onto a neck of a bottle, where the stopper having a tamper band and a separably connected closure shell, wherein the tamper band is secured between a tamper evident ring and a transport ring. The method also includes separating the closure shell from the tamper band and inserting at least a portion of closure shell into a locking feature positioned between a bottom surface of a transport ring and a bottom surface of the neck.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized, such as to show details of particular components. Emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a tethered stopper locked under a transport ring of a bottle into a hollow created in the shoulder.

FIG. 2 illustrates is a cross-sectional view of the FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are merely examples that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, for example, exemplary, and similar terms, refer expansively to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model or pattern.

In some instances, well-known components, systems, materials or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

Phrasing such as ‘configured to’ perform a function, including in the claims, can include any or all of being sized, shaped, positioned in the arrangement, and comprising material to perform the function.

Terms indicating quantity, such as ‘first’ or ‘second’ are used for exemplary and explanation purposes and are not intended to dictate the specific ordering of a component with respect to other components.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein. The described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates a screw stopper 102 in an open position relative to a bottle finish 100. The bottle finish 100 includes a sealing surface 120, an evident tamper ring 110, and a transport ring 112. A bottle neck 118 is positioned between the transport ring 112 and a shoulder 116.

Prior to opening, the stopper 102 includes a closure shell 104 connected to a tamper band 106. Once opened, the stopper 102 becomes disconnected from the tamper band (e.g., weakness lines or bridges are broken in order to allow the closure shell to be removed).

In some embodiments, the stopper 102 also includes a strip (not illustrated) to allow the closure shell 104 to remain connected with the tamper band 106 after opening. When opened, the strip is attached at one end to the closure shell 104 at an opposite end to the tamper band 106.

In some embodiments, the bottle finish 100 includes engaging features (e.g., threads 108) meant to engage with complementary engaging features (not illustrated) located on the inner surface of the closure shell 104. In other embodiments, the bottle neck finish does not include engaging features (e.g., threads), and the closure shell 104 is secured onto the bottle finish 100 through other securing means, such as snaps, clasps, or other mechanically engaging features.

Before opening (e.g., during sealing), the stopper 102 is positioned (e.g., forced in a downward motion) onto the bottle finish 100 in such a way that the tamper band 106 is secured under the tamper evident ring 112 of the bottle finish 100. For example, the closure shell 104 is secured onto the bottle finish 110 by the outer threads 110 engaging with inner threads of the closure shell 104 as the tamper band 106 is positioned below the tamper evident ring 112. In some embodiments, the tamper band 106 comprises retaining features, such as an inner collar (not illustrated) to prevent the tamper band 106 from moving above the tamper evident ring.

During opening, a user to alters the position of the stopper 102, for example by twisting the closure shell 104 (where threads exist) or removing the closure shell 104 from a mechanically securing feature. As the bottle is opened, the closure shell 104 can be removed from the tamper band 106. To prevent the user from unintentionally misplacing or discarding the closure shell 104, the bottle neck 114 is includes a locking feature 114.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the closure shell 104 may be secured into the locking feature 114 of the bottle neck 118 located between the transport ring 112 and the shoulder 116. Specifically, the locking feature 114 allows the closure shell 114 to be in contact with a bottom surface 122 of the transport ring 112 and a bottom surface 128 formed within the bottle neck 118. The locking feature 114 secures the closure shell 114 in place to prevent movement. Advantageously, a user can store the closure shell 114 within the locking feature for subsequent uses (e.g., when closing the bottle).

The bottle neck 118 has a length that is so dimensioned to form the locking feature 114. The locking feature 114 is so dimensioned such that the closure shell 102 may be received into the locking feature 114. Specifically, the locking feature 114 has a height that corresponds to receive the height of the closure shell 104.

In some embodiments, the locking feature 114 is formed within a preform during a preform molding process. For example, the locking feature 114 is formed within the preform using an injection mold cavity configured to shape the preform with the locking feature 114.

In some embodiments, the locking feature 114 is formed within a preform during a preform cooling process. For example, the locking feature 114 is formed within the preform, which is warm from molding, using a tool (not shown) configured to form and shape the locking feature 114 such that the locking feature 114 will receive the closure shell 114.

In some embodiments, the locking feature 114 is formed as the preform transforms into the bottle during a blow molding process. For example, the locking feature 114 is formed by placing a tool (not shown) adjacent a bottle molding cavity near the transport ring 112. The tool could serve as a collar keeping a portion of the preform that would traditionally be blow molded out of the blow molding cavity. Alternatively, or additionally, the tool can could shape the locking feature 114 as the bottle is formed (e.g., using a stretch blow machine) within the bottle molding cavity.

As another example, the locking feature 114 is formed by placing or securing an insert (not shown) into the bottle mold cavity so that the locking feature 114 is formed into the bottle during blow molding.

In some embodiments, the preform has greater rigidity at an area that will eventually become the bottle neck 118 when compared to conventional preforms. For example, the area of the preform that will eventually become the bottle neck 118 includes additional material during the preform molding process.

The closure shell 104 can be locked under the transport ring 112 of the bottle finish 100. The closure shell 104 can be at least partially locked into at least one of the locking features 114 formed into the shoulder 116 of the bottle.

In some embodiments, the locking feature 114 is a continuous feature formed within the entire perimeter of the bottle neck 118, thus forming one locking feature 114 around the circumference of the bottle neck 118, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. In other embodiments, the locking feature 114 is formed at specified location on the bottle neck 118. In other embodiments, more than one locking feature 114 is formed within the bottle neck 118. The locking features 114 can be distributed around the bottle neck at any predetermined spacing.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bottle, comprising: a bottle finish having a tubular shape configured to receive a stopper comprising a closure shell and a tamper band, the closure shell and the tamper band being separably connected; a tamper evident ring positioned peripherally on the bottle finish; a transport ring having a bottom surface, the transport ring positioned peripherally on the bottle finish and located below the tamper evident ring, wherein the tamper band is configured to be positioned between the tamper evident ring and the transport ring; a neck located below the transport ring, the neck comprising a bottom surface and a locking feature integrally formed therein; and a shoulder located below the neck, wherein the locking feature is configured to receive and retain at least a portion of the closure shell between the bottom surface of the transport ring and the bottom surface of the neck when the closure shell is separated from the tamper band.
 2. The bottle according to claim 1, wherein the locking feature is integrally formed into the neck during a preform molding process.
 3. The bottle according to claim 1, wherein the locking feature is integrally formed into the neck during a blow molding process.
 4. The bottle according to claim 1, wherein the locking feature forms a continuous locking feature around the perimeter of the neck.
 5. The bottle according to claim 1, wherein the neck comprises a plurality of locking features each positioned below the transport ring and distributed around the perimeter of the neck.
 6. The bottle according to claim 1, the stopper further comprising a strip configured to connect the closure shell and the tamper band the closure shell is separated from the tamper band.
 7. The bottle according to claim 1, wherein the locking feature is dimensioned relative to the closure shell height, such that at least a portion of the closure shell is received and retained by the locking feature.
 8. A method for locking a stopper onto a bottle having a neck, comprising: providing the bottle having a stopper inserted onto a neck of a bottle, the stopper comprising a tamper band and a separably connected closure shell, wherein the tamper band is secured between a tamper evident ring and a transport ring; separating the closure shell from the tamper band; and inserting at least a portion of closure shell into a locking feature positioned between a bottom surface of a transport ring and a bottom surface of the neck.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the locking feature is integrally formed into the neck during a preform molding process.
 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the locking feature is integrally formed into the neck during a blow molding process.
 11. The method according to claim 8, wherein the locking feature forms a continuous locking feature around the perimeter of the neck. 